Police in Central Visayas have been placed on full alert for the celebration of Independence Day. Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rodulf Oriol, deputy city director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), announced that the alert status was raised starting Thursday. This means that leave or absences for police personnel are prohibited, and they must remain on standby in their units.
Heightened Police Visibility
The CCPO has intensified police visibility in areas with high foot traffic, such as malls, ports, and bus terminals. This measure aims to ensure public safety during the holiday.
Preparations for Protests
The police are also preparing for protest actions by progressive groups, which are expected to take place at Fuente Osmeña, Colon, Mabolo, and Plaza Independencia. Oriol assured that the police will exercise maximum tolerance and allow protesters to express their grievances, provided they do so peacefully and do not prolong the activities. Rallyists are required to secure a permit, except in freedom parks.
Currently, the CCPO clarified that they have not received any security or terrorism threats, aside from the scheduled rallies.
